Pats wide receiver LaFell gets accustom to New England

Wednesday

Aug 13, 2014 at 10:40 PMAug 13, 2014 at 10:47 PM

Texas native learning playbook each day

Steven SanchezGazette Sports Editor

Learning a new playbook in the NFL is never easy.Just ask New England Patriots’ newest wide receiver Brandon LaFell.After three seasons with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, the 6-foot-2, 210 pound wideout now has a chance to show his worth in Foxboro with three-time Super Bowl and future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.With each rep spent with Brady in training camp thus far, it’s clear that LaFell has grown leaps and bounds.“It is getting better day-by-day,” LaFell said. “It was rocky this off-season. But I was the new guy this season and I did not know where he (Brady) wanted me to be. The more reps I get with him, the more times he throws me the ball. We continue to get better. I think we are on a good path right now.”Lafell even made a catch in tight coverage during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles in inclement weather that got Brady totally pumped after the catch.“It was one of those plays where we ran it in the first week of training camp,” LaFell said with a smile. “I ended up falling down at the top end of the route that day. It was a heavy emphasis today to keep your feet up underneath you and get out there and make a play.”Brady is happy with what he’s seeing and sees an improvement from earlier.“I’ve really enjoyed being with him,” Brady said. “He’s added a lot. He’s got a real love for the game, and he does a great job out there getting open. He just keeps making more plays. It’s really fun for a quarterback to see guys out there really working hard to make the improvements and then really do it, and hopefully it continues to carry over.”In four seasons with the Panthers, LaFell has caught 167 receptions for 2,385 yards (14.3 average). He reached the end zone 13 times, including a team-record 91-yard catch, which tied a franchise record for the longest offensive play. LaFell established a career-best seven catches against New England last year — one that went for a touchdown.He set career marks in receptions (49) and touchdowns (five) in 2013.LaFell was a first-team All-SEC selection at LSU and ranks second in school history in receiving touchdowns, third in receptions and fifth in receiving yards. The Texas native ended his collegiate career by catching at least one pass in 41 straight games that dated back to a Sugar Bowl win over Notre Dame.LaFell presence on the field gives Brady a big target, especially in red zone situations.“I’ve always been the bigger body receiver,” he said. “In Carolina, it was me. I know those guys here, they have been working hard the last couple of years. He trust those guys so I know those guys are going to get the ball. I know in the red zone you need that bigger body. I’m hoping I can be that guy.”Did the soggy weather bothered LaFell?“You are going to deal with it sometimes this year,” LaFell said. “We have 16 games and everybody is playing outdoors. One of those games, it’s going to be a wet ball game. It was just one of those days today.Friday’s test against the Eagles is another stepping stone for LaFell’s progress.And so far, it’s thumbs up.“It’s been going pretty well these past few weeks,” LaFell said. “I understand the playbook and know multiple positions. I’m feeling more comfortable. I’m able to go out there and play fast without thinking a lot.”That’s not good for New England opponents.

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